Open AccessNovel diaphragm based Stirling cryocooler
Author(s) -
Alan Caughley,
A. S. Tucker,
Michael Gschwendtner,
Mathieu Sellier
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
aip conference proceedings
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
eISSN - 1551-7616
pISSN - 0094-243X
DOI - 10.1063/1.4706977
Subject(s) - cryocooler , stirling engine , carnot cycle , regenerative heat exchanger , piston (optics) , diaphragm (acoustics) , mechanical engineering , stirling cycle , cryogenics , pulse tube refrigerator , generator (circuit theory) , materials science , electrical engineering , computer science , engineering , acoustics , physics , vibration , thermodynamics , heat exchanger , optics , power (physics) , wavefront
Industrial Research Ltd has developed a unique diaphragm-based pressure wave generator technology for employment in pulse tube and Stirling cryocoolers. The system uses a pair of metal diaphragms to separate the clean cryocooler gas circuit from a conventionally lubricated mechanical driver, thus producing a clean pressure wave with a long-life drive. We have now extended the same diaphragm concept to support and seal the displacer in a free piston Stirling expander. The diaphragms allow displacer movement without rubbing or clearance gap seals, hence allowing for the development of costeffective long-life and efficient Stirling cryocoolers. Initial modeling, operating in conjunction with a 200 cc swept volume pressure wave generator, predicted in excess of 300 W cooling at 77 K with a Carnot efficiency of over 25%. A proof-of-concept prototype has achieved cryogenic temperatures. Details of the concept, modeling, and testing will be presented
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